Season 1 of the PML cycle is ending as we near the finish line of the regular season. The playoff picture is becoming a bit clearer, but sometimes a few pretenders squeeze into the bracket. Lets break down the playoff race and separate the pretenders from the contenders.
Buffalo Bills (8-5, 1st place AFC East)
I’ve gone on record and called the Bills my Super Bowl pick to represent the AFC this season. Sitting at 8-5, having already played 3 games without their top 4 players (Allen, Diggs, & Singletary) and going 3-0 is quite impressive. Many have written TBandit off, and it was a laughable hot take on the breakfast show, but I stand by my word and expect a deep playoff run from the Bills. Verdict: Contenders
Bengals (10-3, 1st place AFC North)
The Cammy hype train comes in and plays at a level he never as during his PML tenure. Anchored by a top 3 defense and a solid run attack, The Bengals look to secure a 1st round bye in the playoffs. Have the Bengals beat a top user yet this cycle beside early Jefe who looked nothing like the Jefe from last cycle? Aside from taking down the Ravens, the two ‘show me games’ seen the Bengals go down to the struggling Titans and Chiefs in back-to-back weeks. I am not yet a believer and predict an early playoff exit when it is time to play some of the top users in PML. Verdict: Pretender
Ravens (8-5, 2nd place AFCN North)
Although 2nd place, the weapons on this team are too much to overlook. The scary part is, KingK has adapted to the roster and played towards their strengths. The run game has been unstoppable for opponents, and he has learned to take what you give him. Stack the box, he will beat you with the pass. Come out in a dime, he’ll beat you with a run. The Ravens will have (2) 1,000 yard rushers this season and as the season progresses he is learning more and more how to pick his opponents a part. He is putting in the time and the honestly is becoming a student of the game. Although a recent loss to HypeMike put him back a few steps, I think this roster is built to make a deep playoff run. Verdict: Contender
Jaguars (9-5, 1st place tie AFC South)
No matter the roster, don’t ever count out HypeMike. If you see his name in the playoffs, you know you don’t want to see him as an opponent. Rebuilding while winning with a bottom roster isnt easy, but somehow he is always there. Verdict: Contender
Texans (9-5, 1st place tie AFC South)
The name nobody wants to see in the wildcard round, or the divisional round, or the conference round. 6 other men will be counting on the next guy to take Problem out of their Super Bowl path. This is an easy one- as long as he plays his game, presumably he will for the playoffs- Problem is the ultimate contender: Verdict: Contender
Chiefs (9-4, 1st place AFC West)
I want to believe in Jac and the powerful Kansas City roster, but I think there are too many obstacles in their way to make a playoff run. He had an impressive victory over DK last week, but I don’t know if Jac has the confidence of even believes in himself. He comes off openly as an underdog, but with this roster I don’t think that is the look. The next 3 games (Hou, Sea, LV) should speak volumes about their place in the AFC hierarchy. For now, I don’t see a deep playoff push. Verdict: Pretender
Broncos (8-5, 2nd place AFC West)
A breathe of fresh air to PML solely based off his willingness to buy into the PML culture, the Broncos stand at 8-5 and are in the drivers seat of a final wildcard spot in the AFC. Will they make the playoffs? Sure, I think they will be there. I think the roster needs a little work, and the pressure of a PML playoff game is something the rookie coach hasn’t experienced yet. Not just yet Deebo, but soon. Verdict: Pretender
Commanders (8-5, 1st place tie NFC East)
Wimmy is as solid of a user you can have. However, I don’t see the same fire we’ve seen in Wimmy in the past. One could argue they are a product of their difficult schedule, but a true contender beats the Eagles, Vikings, and Packers. Once the fire returns and the roster has an off-season to build, I am not yet sold on the Commanders. Verdict: Pretender
Giants (8-5, 1st place tie NFC East)
Back-to-back CPU loses have sent the Giants spiraling both literally and mentally. How do you gauge a user vs the all-madden CPU? Had he played them games vs KMac and Problem, Cook very well may have had the same results, so for argument sakes lets use the 8-5 record as their current standing. Cookie is cookie, and word on the street is playoff Cook is a different beast. With Kmac out of the picture, I see Cook as one of the favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Verdict: Contender
Packers (10-3, 1st place NFC North)
Many counted him out. Many said season 1 may be his only chance to win because the roster gap between his divisional peers will narrow as we progress. Doesn’t matter what many say, cycle after cycle KingMike is always there and is always the underdog no matter what he achieves- but will always be a contender. Verdict: Contender
Buccaneers (11-2, 1st place NFC South)
With wins over Jefe, KingMike, Jac, and KingK, Codes silence the critics who say he is a product of an easy division and top CFM team. However, my thing is the mental aspect of Codes and a PML playoff game. The playoff field has way too many PML vets such as KingMike, CEO, Cookie, ZStar, and not to mention DK who may be the most dangerous opponent. Something tells me Codes isnt ready for this level yet and after a solid season, the Bucs may be a one and done playoff team. Prove me wrong Codes. Verdict: Pretender
Vikings (9-4, 2nd place NFC North)
CEO has seemed to found his way after a slow start. The Vikings quietly ripped off 9 in a row after starting out 0-3. The problem is nobody takes CEO seriously or calls him a deep playoff contender. Everyone respect his play, and nobody likes to see him on the schedule, so why doesn’t it translate to a higher level of respect when we discuss Super Bowl picks? Could possibly have something to do with early playoff exits during his Cowboy run. Until we see the regular season play translate into successful post season play, I have to side with the majority. Verdict: Pretender
Lions (8-5, 3rd place NFC North)
Assuming the vacancy is filled sooner than later (CC: JT), the Lions currently stand in prime position to enter the playoffs, a true gift to the user who takes over. For arguments sake, I am going to make a hot-take and predict JCClutch takes the Lions as I see it as the best fit in terms of competitive fit. The gift of a playoff spot quickly turns into a curse. JCClutch is at a major disadvantage not only because of the weak roster, but he hasn’t had the time to learn the team like the other users in the NFC. Verdict: Pretender
Bears (7-4, 4th place NFC North)
On the outside looking in, its not far fetched they make late run and secure the final seed in the NFC. Not quite sure Spdot is ready/wants to contend with this roster. Either way, it would be a difficult road to a Super Bowl appearances. Verdict: Pretender
Rams (11-2, 1st place NFC West)
Possibly the league wide Super Bowl favorite, DK has the Rams revved up and ready for a deep playoff run. Not a team anyone wants to see in the bracket. Akers is playing at a very high-level and Stafford is spreading the ball around the field getting almost everyone involved in the offense. How do you guard that? Verdict: Contender
Seahawks (9-5, 2nd place NFC West)
ZStar took the Seahawks deeper than most could have pictured this season. A roster that truly needs work in many major positions. Z is a fighter and will fight to the last second, but he is at a major disadvantage vs many of the top users/rosters in the conference. Next year we will see the Seahawks as contenders, not just yet. Verdict: Pretender
